Adam and Eve's joy in repentance

Gen 3:16-19

Moses 5:6-12

The connection between joy and repentance really clicked in my mind while in the temple. Adam and Eve are completely devastated as they really comprehend the magnitude of the consequences of eating the fruit. They couldn't really understand beforehand. The knowledge the fruit brings, the explanation from God, and being escorted from the garden all come together to help them understand true sorrow.

Then, they are given the knowledge and opportunity for joy. The plan of salvation, Jesus Christ's atonement, and repentance are explained. Repentance brings them great joy!  

We are separated from God in the same way when we sin. It's harder to recognize because we aren't looking at the garden gate. Maybe if we were able to see the consequences so plainly repentance would be a joy for us too. Just as Adam and Eve slowly gained understanding, we do too. As we strive to comprehend and recognize the literal separation from God and the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual consequences of our actions, maybe repentance can be such a joy for us as well.

did ya pray about it?

James 1:5

Joseph Smith—History 1:11-13

Pondering and lost? Have you prayed about it?

2 Nephi 32:4

Why do we do this to ourselves? No need to pick a spot in the forest. Just pray.

Doctrine & Covenants 12:5

Personal invite from the Lord . . . But we're silly, imperfect, overthinking, distracted, over complicating beings.

That's why God gave us ancient and modern prophets to remind us as well as friends and family. So, "Did you think to pray?". Yeah, I forgot too. Here’s a reminder for both of us.

peace vs happy

To follow evil influences can never result in a feeling of peace simply because peace is a gift from God and it only comes through the Spirit of God. “Wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10). In our day-to-day actions, it is often the small and simple things that will have a long-lasting impact (see Alma 37:6–7). What we say, how we act, and how we choose to react will influence not only ourselves but also those around us. We can build up, or we can tear down.

Rest unto Your Souls  

By Elder Per G. Malm

October 2010

Alma 41:10 has often reminded me that there is a distinct difference between carnal pleasures or enjoyments and true happiness or joy. Elder Malm's distinction of peace is an excellent indicator. There can be peace in the midst of life's atrocities. I've learned that it may take a strong will and devotion to discipleship. Nevertheless, in the midst of even ongoing trials, we can find peace.

if / then

Ether 4:15

I love "if/then" statements. It clearly outlines directions and results. Ether 4 has a lot of "if/then" or "when/then" statements.   

I chose verse 15 because it first says to rend the veil of unbelief and states what the unbelief is causing. That's nice but how? Then it tells you how, "call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit". Sometimes, answers are obvious and easy. Sometimes, they aren't. It could be the difference of a day that clouds our sight and understanding.   

Life's rough and there's all kinds of storms. Having those obvious instructions help keep us going the right direction.

sealing power

One of the things i enjoy doing is cross referencing principles and doctrine between the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants / Pearl of Great Price. It's not an attempt to prove anything to anyone. It has really helped me better understand God’s relationships with diverse people, compare doctrine in various cultures, compare and connect people living principles (or not living them) and the outcome, and appreciate the consistency of God’s dealing with His children.   

Here's today's connections. It's not all of the references. Feel free to add some.  

Sealing power

Matthew 16:19

Helaman 10:7

Doctrine & Covenants 1:8

privileges and boundaries

3 Nephi 18:22-25

3 Nephi 18:28-29

3 Nephi 18:30-32

I know. It's basically verses 22-32 *but* I split them up into groups.  

First, don't deny anyone attending church.

Follow Christ's example. 

Second, don't allow those who are unworthy to partake of the sacrament. 

Those seem opposed to each other *except*

Follow Christ's example.   

He chased money lenders from the temple. Matt 21:12-13. Following Jesus Christ means setting and keeping boundaries. Even those kept from partaking of the sacrament are still welcome to attend church.  

The bishop has the responsibility of making this call at church. We're responsible for our own lives. Boundaries are necessary and even kind.   

Someone unwilling to strive to keep the commandments is only damaging themselves by continually making a covenant with the Lord. The Lord Himself sets the standards. Removing a unearned or abused privileges is not unkind.  

The same is true for our personal lives. Setting boundaries and keeping them sets your standards. It protects you and clearly defines privileged interactions or space in your life. Removing privileges is not unkind.

shame is pride

Ether 12:27 is my favorite scripture. I received another bit of understanding today during "Come Follow Me".

Humility is more acknowleding your weakness. It's taking responsibility for it.  

Pride is the opposite of humility but I never realized that shame is part of pride.  

Humility goes to the Lord, acknowledges the weakness and takes on the responsibility of working with the Lord to find and enact solutions. 

Pride might deny weakness or completely give up on change. "I'm a terrible person" is the cry of giving up or using weakness as an excuse. Shaming yourself is just as prideful as denial. Both ignore the Lord’s out stretched Hand and instead insist on knowing more than our Creator.  

It reminds me of the difference between Godly sorrow and mortal sorrow. (2 Corinthians 7:9-11) It's all in where it leads. One leads to the Lord and the other leads anywhere else.

it is what it is

William W. Phelps joined the church in 1831. He did all kinds of things to help build the kingdom and then lots of things to tear it down.  

"Later, Phelps wrote to Joseph asking for forgiveness. “I know my situation, you know it, and God knows it, and I want to be saved if my friends will help me.” 

In his reply the Prophet stated: “It is true that we have suffered much in consequence of your behavior. … However, the cup has been drunk, the will of our Heavenly Father has been done, and we are yet alive. … Come on, dear brother, since the war is past, for friends at first are friends again at last.”

Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion  

By Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Oct 2024

"The cup has been drunk" sounds like the 1840 version of, "It is what it is". The response is tender. People have suffered real hardships but it's time to move forward.  

Matt Haig said something in one of his books that has stuck with me, "You are not the only one with sorrows in this world. Don't hoard them like they are precious."

It's a call to recognize that there is life outside of your problems. It's also a reminder to not clutch those worries so tightly that they become your focus.  

In the immortal words of President Monson, “It is better to look up!”

It Is Better to Look Up  

By Elder Carl B. Cook

Oct 2011

beloved and belong

I am a beloved daughter of heavenly parents, with a divine nature and eternal destiny.

Young Women Theme

I am a beloved son of God, and He has a work for me to do.

Aaronic Priesthood Theme

We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose and direction. As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar.

Relief Society declaration

Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God— Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:58-59

I couldn't find a Melchizedek priesthood theme or declaration but these are a couple of verses where God us talking about the Melchizedek priesthood holders.   

In each one of these, it's obvious our Father in Heaven loves us. He is our Father.  

In moments when I feel alone, I have started reminding myself that God loves me. Jesus loves me. They are with me. It kind of grounds me. Feeling alone sometimes feels like an endless free fall in the dark. There's no up or down or anything to grasp onto, just endless, dark, empty space and the emotional desoeration that accomanies it. It's how I imagine Alma feeling when he was called to repentance and lay unconscious. (Alma 36:17-19)

When I was flailing in the vast expanse of darkness, the Spirit reminded me who I belong to and how much I'm loved. It set my feet on solid ground. He reminds me again and again. Now, I flail less and find my feet faster.  

You are God’s beloved child. He loves you. Jesus loves you. They are with you even when you flail in the dark expanse. Trust that they are there. Look for them and they will help you find your way.

mahonri and glowy rocks

Ether 3:1-6

Ether 6:2-3

While discussing the Jaredites in "Come Follow Me" with the family today, my mind was opened and a bit deeper understanding was opened up to me.

The stones that Mahonri used for light are symbolic for anything that lights our way. Simple, obvious. It could be scriptures, conference, etc. That's not exactly how they were used though. The ships were driven by God's hands. The light inside was to make their lives easier. It helped them perform their daily tasks, keep from tripping, etc. It was also comforting, strengthening, and a constant reminder of God's hand in their lives.

The stones can symbolize our building of testimony and refining of character.   

Mahonri made several opaque rocks into clear white rocks. We take little characteristics and habits and clean them up. It's not one big thing. It's a lot of little things slowly "molten", cleaned, and shaped over time.

Mahonri didn't light the stones. He took his work to the Lord and asked that it be filled with divine light. Our cleaned up characteristics need to be offered to the Lord for Him to put His light into them. He turns our work into more than we could ever make it on our own. He turns our white stones into lights.

The light from these stones helped them do their daily tasks. Each spiritual "stone" we refine and take to the Lord is greater knowledge and trust. Each helps us to see what needs done and how more clearly. We begin to shine forth in our own lives and in the lives of others.  

Keep picking up the stones in your soul and refining them. Then allow the Lord to stretch out His finger to fill your work with His light.

the over thinker and chastening in the night

The Lord chastens those whom he loves, Heb. 12:5–11

Whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, D&C 95:1

The Lord did talk with the brother of Jared, and chastened him, Ether 2:14

In Ether, the Lord talks with and chastens the brother of Jared for *3 HOURS*. That sounds intense unless you're one of those people that lays awake at night tormented by a brain that won't stop reviewing past mistakes and embarrassing moments. . . It's me. I'm one of those people. 3 hours isn't even close to how long my brain can tear apart my past. Our Sunday school teacher is one of those people too. We discussed it a bit in class today.

We all learned something important today. If you look up "chasten" in the guide to the scriptures, love is paired to chasten in some way every time. Chastening is "Correction or discipline given to individuals or groups in order to help them improve or become stronger." Like Lehi calling his family to the tree, chastening is an act of love, encouragement, and hope. (1 Nephi 8:10-18)

Coming back to that voice that pesters you in the night, is it a voice of love, encouragement, and hope? If not, you get to redirect it to something that is. I doubt an overthinker can shut it off. I've been trying to redirect it though and it seems to work.   

Instead of trying to shut it up, I first recognize that everyone makes mistakes and does embarrassing things. That's all covered in the Atonement. Then, I can move on to what I can learn, make better choices, and just accept my weaknesses as part of mortal life.  

When I redirect this spiraling thought process to Jesus Christ, His atonement, His love for me, and the growth He has planned for me, it becomes a peaceful and positive conversation. Yes, I have to redirect it when it strays. With an eternal perspective, it's easier to keep a better course of internal dialogue though.  

left undone

Ether 2:25

Ether 3:1-4

"God left the world unfinished for man to work his skill upon. He left the electricity in the cloud, the oil in the earth. He left the rivers unbridged and the forests unfelled and the cities unbuilt. God gives to man the challenge of raw materials, not the ease of finished things. He leaves the pictures unpainted and the music unsung and the problems unsolved, that man might know the joys and glories of creation."

In Quest of the Abundant Life  

By President Thomas S. Monson

Ensign, March 1988

so great and marvelous

3 Nephi 17:16-17

Have you ever wondered what might be "so great and marvelous " that "no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak"?

I have. Maybe it's not what was said but the Spirit that accompanied it. I know that some of my prayers are beyond words. Some things are too overwhelming for words so I hand over a pulsing mass of everything to the Lord.  

I think Jesus had the same thing but in an opposite kind of prayer. He expressed things so beyond our finite minds that they were augmented by the Spirit. What do you think?

daily miracles

Moroni 7:27–29

Mormon 9:25-27

People always think of miracles as grand, spectacular events. My mom and grandmother always pointed out the little daily miracles. They found joy and gratitude in finding something after already looking in the same place, cool breezes on hot days, the many things "could have been worse", the blooming flowers on hard days, and a million other little things that happen every day.  

Someone once called the little daily miracles "love notes from God". The more I notice and express gratitude for those little things, the more I've felt the reassurances of the Spirit. Those little things are messages of love, comfort, and encouragement from a kind and loving Father in Heaven.

"Many of you have witnessed miracles, more than you realize. They may seem small in comparison to Jesus raising the dead. But the magnitude does not distinguish a miracle, only that it came from God....Miracles are wrought by divine power by Him who is “mighty to save.” Miracles are extensions of God’s eternal plan; miracles are a lifeline from heaven to earth."

“Behold! I Am a God of Miracles”  

By Elder Ronald A. Rasband

April 2021

rotating story options

3 Nephi 17:8-9

Where do you imagine yourself in this scene? Are you going forward to bring loved ones to Him? Are you going to be healed? Are you standing back to make way fot those needing healing?

I've always imagined myself making room. Then, I realize I should probably go be healed. It made me wonder why. Do I not feel worthy? Do I not want to trouble Him or add another thing to do? Why would I think that way?  

There's so many questions to be pondered when I start putting myself in the story. Once I've done that, I put myself in a different part of the same story. It's been an important learning experience for me.  

mercy cannot rob justice

Parenting continues to teach me about the plan of salvation. Mortal life becomes an object lesson for eternal truths. Today's object lesson was "Mercy cannot rob justice."

Elder Packer gave us a timeless parable in his April 1977 conference address "The Mediator". In it, a man goes into debt and puts off making meaningful progress paying back the loan. The day that full payment is due arrives and the man isn’t able to repay the loan. The creditor demands the man be imprisoned according to the justice of the contract while the man pleads for mercy. Mercy would leave the debt unpaid while justice would see the man imprisoned. The creditor says, "Mercy cannot rob justice". A merciful friend agrees to pay the debt to satisfy justice if the man will agree to strict repayment terms with the friend as the creditor.  

"And so it was that the creditor was paid in full. He had been justly dealt with. No contract had been broken. The debtor, in turn, had been extended mercy. Both laws stood fulfilled. Because there was a mediator, justice had claimed its full share, and mercy was fully satisfied."

We have many creditors in life. Whether it's money, education, or preparation, the future we want tomorrow demands payments today. The eternal principle of mercy and justice, sin and repentance have more mundane counterparts. As a parent, I have to be creditor and merciful friend.   

Today, I came to understand mercy differently. I try to set reasonable expectations, privileges, and consequences. If I fail to meet out the agreed to privileges or consequences, I'm untrustworthy. Worse, the creditor of my child's future is robbed. They then expect something for nothing and enter adulthood unprepared. My child pays for my failure.

Mercy, as a parent, is teaching. Often, that teaching is simply reminding. As annoying as children may find it, reminding is mercy.   

Isaiah 9:12

2 Nephi 19:12

Jacob 6:4

3 Nephi 10:4-6

Matthew 23:37

Doctrine & Covenants 43:23-25

As a parent, it's my responsibility to be merciful, patient, and kind without robbing my child of lessons needed for their future. As a child of a perfect and loving Heavenly Father, it's my responsibility to heed His merciful call with humility instead of annoyance.   

loving the nameless and Bob

Mormon 3:12

Mormon watched his people descend into wickedness. It might be easier to love the nameless masses of mankind than it is to love Bob that annoys me in my daily life. Mormon did both. He even gives us the secret to loving them all. It wasn't his love. He loved "according to the love of God which was in me". He reflected God’s love outward. Perhaps most importantly, he truly felt and relied on God’s love for him. In the desperate last days of the Nephites, Mormon shared this knowledge of God’s love with his son.

Moroni 9:25.   

Both of these men saw what we would face in our day. They saw that we would need to know the same things. I know that they have blessed me with their words and examples. 

His favorite

"Isn’t it wonderful that there are times when we can feel so fully and personally noticed and loved? Nephi can call Him “his” Jesus, and so can we. Our Saviour’s love is the “highest, noblest, strongest kind of love,” and He provides until we are “filled.” Divine love never runs dry, and we are each a cherished favourite. God’s love is where, as circles on a Venn diagram, we all overlap. Whichever parts of us seem different, His love is where we find togetherness."

God’s Favourite  

By Elder Karl D. Hirst

October 2024

I hope each of us is able to recognize the many love notes God sends us. I hope you feel like His favorite.

hearing

3 Nephi 11:7, Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:5, JS history 1:17

Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.

An invitation that also asks the question: Do I really "hear" Him?  

What constitutes "hearing Him"? It must require active participation instead of passive perception. I never thought about the invitation meaning more than auditory reception. Perhaps hearing is following, changing, reflecting, repenting, serving. Hearing is in the doing. (James 1:22-25)

dragged into heaven

3 Nephi 7:18-19

Nephi raised his brother, Timothy, from the dead. The unrighteous witnesses of this miracle weren't converted. In fact, they were angry. They saw but would not see and heard but "would not hear". (Alma 10:6, Alma 21:10-11, Jeremiah 13:11, Nehemiah 9:29)

While we may feel sorrow for those we share the gospel with but don’t accept it or those who actively fight against the gospel, ( Helaman 7:6) it is a testament to the plan of salvation. It's a testament to the freedom to choose. It's an important reminder that every soul must choose their own path. I can offer to share the joyful path I've chosen but no one will be dragged into Heaven. They have to walk the path willingly.